If anyone knows how to elevate a space, it’s Christiane Lemieux, the founder of pioneering contemporary home goods brand DwellStudio and author of the popular, rules-shunning interiors book Undecorate. While she’s best known for her refined, modern approach to decorating, her new book, The Finer Things: Timeless Furniture, Textiles, and Details, goes back to basics, delivering a comprehensive guide to seeking out the investment pieces that give a space enduring appeal. It’s not a little black book, exactly — more like a big gold one — and a desk-worthy reference for selecting, installing, combining, and arranging high-quality foundational, functional, and decorative elements, from wallpaper, art frames and floors to furniture, fabrics, light fixtures and more.

After all, quality pieces are the backbone of the designer’s own personal style: “I love clean lines but with luxe materials,” she says. “And I love to mix vintage and contemporary, because vintage adds patina and texture. The result is layered and beautiful.” Since one room in the house that always deserves a little dignity is the home office — whether it’s used for dreaming up the next big business idea or signing permission slips for a field trip — we consulted the designer for easy ways to add some polish to your personal workspace.
Read on to learn how to make your desk a delight — and pick up a copy of The Finer Things for even more transformational interiors advice.
Step One: Pare down the plastic
Made From Good Deeds walnut desk organizer, $71; Retro For Eva vintage marble obelisk, $44; wemakenicethings mixed-wood valet, $120; White Dog Vintage fountain pen with marble base, $42.
Replacing a few flimsy objects with weighty, elegant ones goes a long way toward setting a sophisticated tone. “I love mixed materials like marble, brass and wood,” Christiane says. “Don’t get stuck in the idea that desk accessories have to be plastic. You can make your desk as beautiful as your living room.”
Step Two: Borrow a little library style

Whether it’s the contents — or just the covers — that inspire you, assemble a small reference collection within arm’s reach. “Take a few books off the shelf and put them on your desk for a chic mini-library of the volumes you use most,” says Christiane.
Step Three: Leave room for humor
Vintage Walter Bosse stacking hedgehogs set from afterglowretro, $240; vintage round brass midcentury ashtray, $80; vintage brass Pal-Bell ashtray, $50; vintage brass Ben Seibel bookends, $280
“Don’t ever be afraid of a little whimsy,” Christiane says. “It’s a conversation starter and an icebreaker in an interview or meeting, plus people love to pick things up off your desk when they are nervous, frustrated or even excited. It’s always good to have a hedgehog on hand.” Midcentury work from designers like Ben Seibel, Carl Aubock and Walter Bosse hit the sweet spot: “It’s modern, hip and timeless at the same time,” Christiane says.
Step Four: Embrace change
Gold Zen Garden by Mini Zen Garden, $23
Incorporating an object with some movement can keep a workspace from feeling too static — and there are plenty of options beyond those perpetual-motion kinetic desk sculptures with the clacking balls. “I love this rock garden because is it a little retro and hip and very fun to play with,” Christiane says. “Plus, everyone needs a little zen.”
41 comments
Katrina Dzerkale from Dominna said 4 years ago
I hate plastic in my office space, so I am fully on board with these changes.
Rachel Bingaman from BingArt said 4 years ago
Love the mini zen garden :) I have a few paintings from some of my favorite Etsy artists hanging above my desk and studio walls. Love the cheer it adds to my studio space. I agree... plastic is out!
Ashley from WAXandWANEshop said 4 years ago
I love this! I try to have every piece in my workspace be something that makes me happy, whether its a unique vintage find, or something handmade. I just switched out my plastic trash can for a bamboo one that was hand-woven by artisans in Vietnam and it was the best decision ever! These little details really do make a big impact on the whole feel of a room.
Teerasak Borkam from TribalAndHarem said 4 years ago
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Jafeth Moiane from handicraftafrica said 4 years ago
Beautiful. Congrats!
Francine from HomespunHeartofMine said 4 years ago
Thanks for a great article, Valerie! Love the warmth and coziness the natural elements add to the work space....great ideas for eliminating plastic!!! :D
Sue from SuesAkornShop said 4 years ago
How lovely! Congrats!
Loribeth from MomentsOfArt said 4 years ago
These are all wonderful tips. I've been giving my clients the same advice, except for the movement one.
aressa from OriginalBridalHanger said 4 years ago
Nice ideas...Thanks for sharing!
Priscilla from Gardenmis said 4 years ago
Must have humor!! :)
Suzanne Rorick from SRorickArt said 4 years ago
I was very happy to read the first tip focus on the reduction of plastic. Although plastic has it's uses, as a society we have become too dependent on it. As you pointed out, there are other decorative and functional options available for desk accessories. Thank you for this!
Chris Wittmann from catsinthecradlesoap said 4 years ago
I use an 1850's school master's desk and love it! No plastic anywhere in my home, and lots of old books. My desk has a wonderful slant-front lift up storage space in the center, perfect for stashing all kinds of stuff. Now if I could only get the un-cluttered look without things appearing too stark...
Cristy Ramos from ArtisanBathandBody said 4 years ago
Awesome picks and ideas!
Flair Nouri from FlairPaintings said 4 years ago
so lovely!!! Thanks for sharing :)
Caroline from ArtbyHeroux said 4 years ago
The mini Zen garden is a nice touch ;)
Hairbow Co from HairbowSuppliesCo said 4 years ago
Great ideas, thank you for sharing!
Amy Gunderson from amysfunkyfibers said 4 years ago
Very nice , I think I need to start with a trash can!! I have so much stuff ! It really does make you feel better if your surroundings make you feel good!
Kashuen Collectibles from Kashuen said 4 years ago
I love pretty things on my desk. It makes working more enjoyable.
Lemonada Designs from LemonadaDesigns said 4 years ago
Great tips! Love the timeless concept of wood marble and brass.
benna and hanna from bennaandhanna said 4 years ago
Amazing Tips. Thank you for sharing.
Renee from RandMhandmade said 4 years ago
I love the idea of using peaceful items around your office..love it!!
Rebeca from SecretDiamonds said 4 years ago
Nice ideas, thanks.
Niki from CaramelAppleBooks said 4 years ago
Nice! The Zen garden is really cool.
Greg and Mary from LightingAlchemy said 4 years ago
Wonderful decor ideas!!
Kfir from KinArtBoutique said 4 years ago
Wonderful!!! So inspiring :)))
Madeleine Keller from ThoseGoodVibrations said 4 years ago
my desk is way too much of a space for doing to be decorated, but I appreciate the sentiment here! thanks for sharing :)
Teerasak Borkam from TribalAndHarem said 4 years ago
น่าใช้มาก so cute
Tanya from TanyaToys said 4 years ago
Wonderful!!! So inspiring :)))
Georgia from JewelMeShop said 4 years ago
Lovely decorating ideas. The zen garden is amazing!
emaxtees from EmaxTees said 4 years ago
Every office needs your items, cool!
Patti Trostle from PattiTrostle said 4 years ago
Lovely! Congrats!
Sophie Moo from SofiMoukidouJewels said 4 years ago
How lovely! Great ideas! I especially love the little library style!
LittleGoldenHen from LittleGoldenHen said 4 years ago
Great, easy ideas for polishing your office space!
Linda Sapp Long from umeone said 4 years ago
Two thumbs up for interesting quality pieces, which can be easily achieved with vintage finds!
Virginie Lykins from rolanddesigns said 4 years ago
I totally have to agree here! I hate Plastic, I love vintage, books and funny little things.
Laurie Peace from KnottinghamDesigns said 4 years ago
Great ideas! I recently moved my studio from a corner desk to taking over the dining room. I put fabric around the table to create an elegant desk with oodles of storage space underneath. I stole pieces I love from every room in the house...a lamp, a spice cabinet for small objects, and pieces of my grandmother's china for holding tools and glue. It is elegant, affordable, practical, and I Love it! No plastic in sight!
deardear from deardearArt said 4 years ago
good design~~ i love this
Patsy Bechtold from PatsysPressedFlowers said 4 years ago
I love this article! The pen and holder is a beautiful writing accessory, perfect to pen a little note. I also love the collection of books, as I use mine a lot too!
Helen from Gem2theiVintage said 4 years ago
Love these suggestions for the office area.
VT from HandmadeTrend said 4 years ago
I love how these small items and details make a huge difference. Thank you for sharing.
StillVintage from StillVintage said 3 years ago
The brass pal-bell ashtray is lovely. I found out and couldn't resist it. I added one to my store.